Chad Merlot Incline 18 Sonoma Mountain 2019

This year’s single-vineyard Merlot started as sort of an experiment Chad had because he completely fell in love with the Merlot that came off a particularly juicy southwest facing block of this famous vineyard at a 18 degree incline along the Mayacamas. If you’re looking for a little more, I can only say it’s a vineyard that helped propel Ravenswood into the stratosphere.

For Chad, there was no harm in just seeing what the Merlot would do on its own after a few weeks in the tank. If it continued to progress how he predicted, he’d have something truly special and unique to his usual Cab heavy portfolio. And if the Merlot wasn’t exceptional- he could just blend it back into one of his signature Cabernet blends like last year’s Sonoma Mountain reserve off the same vineyard.

But not surprisingly, Chad wasn’t wrong. For the two decades plus that I’ve known the guy, he seems to be right more often than anyone I know apart from my wife!

This is a sensational single-vineyard Merlot made from incredibly tiny clusters, full of some of the most elegant, intensely structured fruit from high atop Sonoma Mountain. Beautiful weight and balance with aromas of blueberries, black currants, sage and a hint of cocoa. It’s got a full, plush mouthfeel, pristine and vibrant fruit and a wonderful smooth finish.